Paideia Students to Dedicate Native Plant Garden

Martha Caldwell’s eighth grade class at created a National Wildlife Federation certified native plant garden.

The students designed the garden themselves, applied for grants and held plant sales to raise funds, cultivated the soil, selected the plants and have cared for the garden over the school year.

“It was fun to learn about native plants and work together to create something beautiful,” said eight-grade student Erica Winston.

An official dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the garden is set for Friday, May 11, at 8:30 a.m. at Paideia, 1509 Ponce De Leon Ave.

After receiving a sustainability grant from Paideia, the students worked with EcoAddendum, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating native habitats, to apply for another grant from Project Learning Tree.

They made signs to identify the plants, created mosaic stepping stones, wind chimes and other art to adorn the garden.

The mission of the class is to educate their fellow students using the five senses: taste, smell, sight, sound and touch.

Students can learn about native plants by eating edible berries, smelling plants with sweet aromas, observing seasonal changes, hearing the sounds of the birds, and touching the plants to feel the texture of the leaves.

The garden is near several elementary school classes and it will serve as a learning tool as well as a peaceful place to sit.

These eighth grade students hope to create a peaceful environment where their fellow students can appreciate and enjoy nature.

If you go: Dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony, Friday, May 11, at 8:30 a.m. at Paideia, 1509 Ponce De Leon Ave.

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